New Delhi, October 13 Experts have said that grilled ultra-processed food is being used in every household in India, which is a direct reason for the ever-increasing cases of diabetes in the country.
The number of people suffering from diabetes in India is 101 million. The recently released ICMR-NIN dietary guidelines for Indians show that more than 10 percent of children aged 5-19 years are pre-diabetic.
A new study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition shows that deep fried, baked and grilled ultra-processed foods are rich in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause inflammation and increase the risk of many diseases including diabetes.
Dr V Mohan, a diabetes expert at the Chennai-based Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), told IANS that his team conducted the study on AGEs in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
“When we fry or grill foods, it produces oxidative stress that promotes inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even certain types of cancer,” he said. Foods with high trans fats are harmful for health.”
According to the research, foods containing advanced glycation end products (AGEs) include red meat, fried foods, French fries, fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, bakery products, butter, margarine and sugary foods. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables, broccoli, legumes, oats, dairy, eggs, fish, almonds, walnuts, cashews etc. come under the category of low AGEs food.
Mohan said, “Our research has shown that foods with high dietary AGEs are associated with type 2 diabetes and inflammation. Foods with low dietary AGEs are protective against diabetes.”
Dr Ambrish Mittal, Chairman and Head – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, told IANS, “Fried food means that our body is getting more saturated fat and calories, so it will naturally not be good for us.”
He said, “A lot of fried food in India, especially in the form of saturated fat and calories are associated with type 2 diabetes and inflammation. “Street food is usually cooked in reheated oil. Reheated oil is high in trans fats, which are a major risk factor for heart disease and certain types of cancer,” he said.
Baked food is also not necessarily healthy, he added, as most baked food is rich in carbohydrates. These foods, which boost obesity rates, are also one of the major causes of diabetes in the country, Mohan told urged the government to promote healthy eating habits.
Moreover, the MDRF study showed that “excessive consumption of white rice or wheat increases carbohydrates, which causes sugar.
Apart from this, stress, lack of sleep and air pollution are also major reasons behind it.
